Table 1.
Analysis of variance and mean comparisons for mycorrhizal root colonization and Trichoderma spp. population in roots of lettuce plants grown with different nutrient solutions and biostimulants.
| Source of variance | Mycorrhiza root colonization (%) | Trichoderma spp. (CFU/g) |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient solution (N) | ∗∗∗ | ns |
| Biostimulant (B) | ∗∗∗ | ∗∗ |
| N × B | ∗∗∗ | ns |
| Nutrient solution | ||
| Standard | 21.3 | 6.3 × 104 |
| Alkaline | 16.8 | 1.6 × 104 |
| Saline | 11.8 | 4.0 × 104 |
| Biostimulant | ||
| No application | 0.0 | 3.9 × 102b |
| Tablet | 24.9 | 6.3 × 104a |
| Tablet + PH | 25.0 | 5.5 × 104a |
| N × B | ||
| Standard solution without biostimulant | 0.0c | 8.7 × 102 |
| Standard solution + Tablet | 31.8a | 1.0 × 105 |
| Standard solution + Tablet + PH | 32.1a | 8.8 × 104 |
| Alkaline solution without biostimulant | 0.0c | 1.1 × 102 |
| Alkaline solution + Tablet | 25.6ab | 2.7 × 104 |
| Alkaline solution + Tablet + PH | 24.9ab | 2.1 × 104 |
| Saline solution without biostimulant | 0.0c | 1.8 × 102 |
| Saline solution + Tablet | 17.3b | 6.2 × 104 |
| Saline solution + Tablet + PH | 18.0b | 5.7 × 104 |
ns, ∗∗,∗∗∗ Non-significant or significant at P ≤ 0.01, and 0.001, respectively. Different letters within each column indicate significant differences according to Duncan’s multiple-range test (P = 0.05). Tablet = microbial-based biostimulant ‘Click Horto’ containing 200 spores/tablet of Rhizophagus irregularis BEG72 plus 4.5 × 107 CFU/tablet of Trichoderma atroviride MUCL45632; PH = plant derived-protein hydrolysate ‘Trainer.’